I KID EWE NOT: Lambs reach record high at Warwick saleyards

SALE agents were "gobsmacked" as lambs reached never seen prices at the Warwick Saleyards on Wednesday, prompting some to wonder whether buyers might be paying an elusive $300 for a prime lamb before it becomes too dear for the dinner table.

Warwick-based meat wholesaler Pat McMahon said he never thought he would ever have to pay $230 for prime lambs, but a region-wide shortage was pushing prices up to record levels.

Forced to cough up to maintain his reputation for quality meat, Mr McMahon took home a pen of 13 lambs for the highest price in the history of Warwick Saleyards.